The preliminary hearing for an Army veteran from Upper St. Clair who's accused of homicide in a grocery store parking lot was postponed Wednesday because the defense said it must review new information from witnesses who recently came forward.

Thomas was honorably discharged in 2009 after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he received three Purple Hearts and a Medal of Valor. His lawyer said Thomas has been getting letters of support from around the world while he awaits his day in court.

The shooting happened outside Shop 'n Save on West Beau Street, not far from the Washington County Courthouse. Police said the suspected shooter also called 911.

Investigators said they believe the incident started during some sort of road rage dispute on nearby Jefferson Avenue and ended in the parking lot when Thomas got a gun from his vehicle and shot Simonelli twice in the abdomen.

"Our guys were communicating with him through 911 as they responded, and had him directed to unload his weapon, and our patrol officers took him into custody," said Washington police Lt. Dan Stanek.

Anyone with information about the shooting has been asked to contact police in Washington. "We're asking anybody who may have seen a couple vehicles involved in any dispute, driving erratically, any type of exchange between the two parties, to call us," Stanek said.